Abstract: The present application discloses braking devices for use in a pneumatic tube system (PTS). The braking devices are adapted for in-line incorporation with a pneumatic tube and are operative to stop a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. The in-line braking devices allow for decelerating a carrier to a stop over a distance to reduce the forces applied to a carrier and its contents.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for automatically changing out a filter cartridge in a continuous air monitor. The apparatus includes: a first container sized to hold filter cartridge replacements; a second container sized to hold used filter cartridges; a transport insert connectively attached to the first and second containers; a shuttle block, sized to hold the filter cartridges that is located within the transport insert; a transport driver mechanism means used to supply a motive force to move the shuttle block within the transport insert; and, a control means for operating the transport driver mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic component feeding apparatus for conveying aligned electronic components includes a conveying tube, a cylinder for sucking air from an end of the tube, and a movable stopper plate for stopping the conveyed, aligned electronic components.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for transporting irregular objects such as bags filled with recycled cans through a duct in which the object is first accelerated by pneumatic pressure and subsequently decelerated after a sensor triggers the closure of the air outlets as the object approaches the output point of the system.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: The slurry distributor comprises two or more square pipe sections in end-to-end relation having an inlet at one end for connection to a slurry supply and provided with discharge openings equally spaced longitudinally thereof; on each side of the square pipe for discharge of the slurry, the openings being successively obstructed manually or by deposited solids from the slurry itself piling up on the original ground level. The distributor is used to control the slurry composition for dyke building and general tailings disposal consisting of mine tailings.

Abstract: A pneumatic transmission system has a customer terminal, a teller terminal and a transmission tube connecting the terminals. A pair of blowers are disposed in the transmission tube. Each terminal has a slide gate which is operable to close the transmission tube, and a catch disposed below the gate which is operable to catch the pneumatic carrier. The carrier is transmitted from one terminal to the other terminal by opening the gate of the one terminal, closing the other gate of the other terminal, and energizing the blower remote from the one terminal, thereby creating a vacuum between the one blower and the carrier. The one blower is de-energized after the carrier has passed the one blower, and the carrier rides down on a cushion of air, coming to rest on the gate of the other terminal. The gate of the other terminal is then opened and the carrier drops downwardly onto the catch of the terminal. A controller and timer facilitate sequencing of the slide gates and blowers.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying discrete parts between first and second locations. The conveying apparatus has a receptacle for at least one part. Structure is provided for guiding movement of the part receptacle between the first and second locations. Structure is also provided for conveying the part receptacle a) from the first location to the second location and b) from the second location to the first location.

Abstract: A pneumatic transmission system has a customer terminal, a teller terminal and a transmission tube connecting the terminals. A pair of blowers are disposed in the transmission tube. Each terminal has a slide gate which is operable to close the transmission tube, and a catch disposed below the gate which is operable to catch the pneumatic carrier. The carrier is transmitted from one terminal to the other terminal by opening the gate of the one terminal, closing the other gate of the other terminal, and energizing the blower remote from the one terminal, thereby creating a vacuum between the one blower and the carrier. The one blower is de-energized after the carrier has passed the one blower, and the carrier rides down on a cushion of air, coming to rest on the gate of the other terminal. The gate of the other terminal is then opened and the carrier drops downwardly onto the catch of the terminal. A controller and timer facilitate sequencing of the slide gates and blowers.

Abstract: Discharge apparatus for discharging broken-off fastener parts (such as the stems of blind rivets) from fastener installation apparatus, comprises a passageway (13) along which the parts (37) are conveyed away from the installation apparatus (11) by a flow of air generated by a vacuum pump (14). The end of the passageway (13) remote from the installation apparatus (11) is normally sealed against the entry of air by a discharge valve (16). A broken-off part (37) approaching the discharge valve (16) is detected by an approach sensor (34) which is connected by a latching relay unit (33) and a control valve (25) to actuate a pneumatic ram (22) to open the discharge valve (16). At the same time the vacuum pump (14) is turned off to prevent a reverse flow of air through the open valve (16). The part (37) is discharged through the valve (16) and into a receptacle (19) which is outside the vacuum system.